District Secretariats of Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, districts are the second-level administrative divisions, and are included in a province. There are 25 districts organized into 9 provinces. Each district is administered under a District Secretary, who is appointed by the central government. The main tasks of the District Secretariat involve coordinating communications and activities of the central government and Divisional Secretariats. The District Secretariat is also responsible for implementing and monitoring development projects at the district level and assisting lower-level subdivisions in their activities, as well as revenue collection and coordination of elections in the district. A district is divided into a number of Divisional Secretary's Divisions (commonly known as DS divisions), which are in turn subdivided into Grama Niladhari Divisions.

The extent of Colombo district which is one of the main districts of Western province is 675 Sq. Colombo district is bound by North Kelani River, by South Bolgoda River Panadura, BY West the coast and by East the boundary of Sabaragamuwa province. The population of this district, in which the capital of Sri Lanka is situated, is 2309199 and it consists of 13 Divisional Secretary’s Divisions. The major role of District Secretariat Colombo is to operate the activities of Ministries at district level. In the meantime it has to maintain direct coordination with the Western Provincial Council. The activities relating to economic development and economic, social, cultural and welfare activities in the district are specially implemented by the allocations provided by the Ministries and the upliftment of the living standards of the people of the area has been included in the cooperate plan of Colombo District as the main objective. Further Colombo district consists of 13 electorates and 15 local government institutions.

Gampaha District has been declared by the Gazette notification dated 07th September 1978 under Para 3 of Administrative Districts Act. This district has been established by way of re-division of Colombo district. Gampaha District is located in the Western province and bounded North by Ma Oya (Kurunegala and Puttalam districts), East by plains and ridges of 100-200 m in height (Kegalle district), South by Colombo district which is bound by Kelani River, West by Indian Ocean. Gampaha District of which the Centre is District Secretariat is an area in extent of which the length is 45 km in length and width. Gampaha District is a prominent place for cultural, political and educational fields. This district specially is an important area in which free trade zones centering manufacturing industries, tourism, international airport, railway lines, highways, telecommunication and other infrastructure facilities. Gampaha District is facing the capital of the Island and international harbor. The extent of Gampaha Administrative District is 1387 Sq. km. (139140 h) .The area of the district is twofold comparing with Colombo district. This district covers 38% of the total land area of the Western Province whilst covering 2.1% of the total land of Sri Lanka. The district is situated between north latitude 6 54”5 and 7 20 and east longitude 79 48.75 and 80 13. The minimum temperature of Gampaha District is 21.6 C and its maximum recorded is 37 C. The average rainfall in the district is 1750 mm (2477 mm t Henarathgoda). This is an area which falls under tropical monsoon climate. The main source of the rain is the inter monsoon and south west monsoon. The weather of the district is usually dry from January up to April. According to the above climate, the areas with fauna and flora in wet zones and kadolana in marshy lands are found in Gampaha district.

When the location of Kaluthara District, which is situated in Western Province, is considered, it is bounded by North Colombo district, East by Rathnapura district, South by Galle district and West by the Indian Ocean. The district is situated between north latitude 60 191 3011 – 60 491 3011 and east latitude 790 511 3011- 800 221 4511. A wavy land with several hills which are the parts of mountain ridge from central highland serves as the Eastern boundary of Kaluthara district consisting of 2 Korale, 8 Pattu and 2 Thotamuna. The middle part and the Western area are mainly seen as plains. The water sources of the district mainly consists of Kalu Ganga and Benthara Ganga starts from Eastern boundary and the main branch rivers such as Hik Ganga, Kuda Ganga and Mawak Oya. The decline of the rubber cultivation which was used mainly for rubber cultivation are now been replaced by the tea plantations, which were earlier limited to hilly areas. In addition to the above export crop such as coconut, pepper, cinnamon are cultivated in the central part. Paddy cultivation is seen in the most part of the plain and low lands, Sinharaja forest which is situated towards South East enriches the environment of the district. The excavation at Pahiyangala Cave situated in Bulathsinghala, which is one of the ancient ruins of the area, has revealed the historical evidences of the contemporaries of Balangoda Man. Kaluthara Bodhi, an ancient place of worship, where one of the 32 bo trees planted in Devanampiyatissa era is one of the places adored mostly by Buddhists as well as devotees of other faiths and tourists.

Kandy District, the main district of central province is bounded North by Matale district, East by Badulla district, South by Nuwera Eliya district and West by Kegalle district. Mahaweli River, which is an invaluable resource and starts from Samanala Adawiya flows to Badulla district via Pasbage Korale Divisional Secretary’s Division, Gangawata Korale, Kundasale, Udapalatha, Doluwa, Udunuwera, Yatinuwera, Harispattuwa, Kundasale and Meda Dumbara Divisional Secretary’s Division and then along the district boundary and through Divisional Secretary’s Division Minipe. The district consists of 20 Divisional Secretairts, 17 Grama Niladhari Divisions, 1188 Grama Niladhari Divisions. Kandy district, which consists of 1940 Sq. km of central highlands of Sri Lanka is a picturesque area. Mahaweli River is enriched with many water sources flow from other areas. In addition to the above, the sources of Deduru Oya also starts from Poojapitiya Divisional Secretary’s Division. The torrents which flow from the Western slopes of Yatinuwera and Udunuwera Divisional Secretary’s Divisions serve as the main sources of Ma Oya.

Matale district, which is considered as the central part of Sri Lanka is in extent of 1993.3 Sq km and it represents the Northern part of Central Province. It is bounded North by Anuradhapura, East by Polonnaruwa, South by Badulla and Ampara districts, West by Kurunegala district. Matale district is one of the areas which is enriched with highly valuable natural resources. Matale district where Sigiri Rock Kingdom, the greatest man made creations and the Knuckles sierra, a wonderful heritage of the nature are situated, is an area which consists of 1373 villages spread over 11 Divisional Secretary’s Divisions. The population of the district is over 400000. The mineral resources of Matale District consists of Gneiss, Granite, crystalline limestone, dolerite and The forest coverage of the district is also complex to a certain extent. Central, South Western areas consists of forests of wet zone. In the meantime, Northern, Laggala and Wilgamuwa areas consist of forests of dry zone in lower country. Even though, the area receives rainfall from two main monsoons it receives more rain from North Eastern monsoon. The area of knuckles mountain range demonstrates a wide bio diversity and it is considered as a heritage of the country. A large plain, which is very similar to Horton Plains is situated at Pitawela area and a precipice called Mini Worlds End is situated at the end of the plain.

Nuwera Eliya District which is glorified as the apex of Sri Lanka is situated within the Central province bounded by Kandy, Badulla, Kegalle and Rathnapura District. Piduruthalagala, the highest mountain of the country, and the mountains such as Kirigalpotta, Thotupala Kanda, Kikiliyamana Kanda, Great Western, Haggala and the most sacred hill of Sreepada of which the height varies from 900 feet up to 8000 feet from sea level are situated within the district. Further, the waterfalls such as Lakshapana, Devon, Elgin, St. Clare, Ramboda, Baker’s fall, Kurundu Ella and Gerandi Ella and further the Horton Plains and Haggala Botanical Gardens serve as the tourist attraction of the district. In the meantime, the main sources of Kelani and Mahaweli River are also in Nuwera Eliya district. In the meantime, the reservoirs such as Maussakele, Castlereigh, Canyon, Norton Bridge, Kothmale, Randenigala and major part of Victoria, which are the major hydro power generating sources of the country are also situated within Nuwera Eliya District. 57.1% of the population is Tamil and the remaining part consists of Sinhala and other nationalities. The specific weather condition of the area is very friendly for agriculture and the area is very famous for vegetable cultivation. The average rainfall of Nuwera Eliya district, of which the area is in extent 1741 sq km, is nearly 75 inches. The area which receives the highest rainfall (Watawala) and the area which records the minimum temperature Nuwera Eliya are situated in this district. The areas such as Hanguaranketha, Kothmale, Walapane served in the past as the safe places for kings of the country. The temples built at that time are still preserved. According to the folklore the history of the area goes back to Ravana Era. There are certain historical evidences in this regard. Nuwera Eliya District consists of 5 Divisional Secretary’s Divisions such as Ambagamuwa, Nuwera Eliya, Hangurnketha, Kothmale and Walapane.

District Secretariat Galle is the Centre for the coordination of administrative activities of 19 Divisional Secretariats within the district. Galle, which is the main city of the Southern Province is a city which witnesses a rapid development whilst becoming a population of high density and also gaining the fame as a modern city. The population of the district is nearly 1091000. The District Secretariat shoulders the coordination of the programme which is implemented for identification of economic, social and cultural necessities f people and providing solutions. Galle District Secretariat, which is the heart of Galle district is towering amidst the city centered by many buildings in which public as well as private institutions are locate as service providers and manufacturing establishments. District Secretariat is a seven storied building consisting of modern facilities located along Colombo Matara highway very close to main bus stand and the Railway Station. This is a place which ensures easy access for the general public for getting their matters attended. The District Secretariat can be highlighted as a highly attractive service center which ensures proper and expedite services for the general public with the application of modern technology. With a view to provide many different services under one and same roof, a large number of institutions in central government and provincial public service have been established within this building. The Citizen Charter which indicates the services as well as the time frame has been fixed at the ground floor for the information of the general public. Since the modern computer technology is freely available for ensuring a speedy service, every officer is keen to perform his duties to the utmost satisfaction of the general public within the agreed time frame.

Matara district which is situated at the Nilwala River bounded by the Indian Ocean and located between Galle and Hambanthita district of Rohana Pura is a charming area in extent of 1282.5 Sq km (128250 h). Matara is a district with wet climate. The average temperature of the district is 26.7 0C and it records average rainfall of 2553.2 mm. It is located between North latitude 5.8, 6.4 and East longitude 80.4, 80.7. The district consists of 1.93% of the total land of the country and 23.14% of the land of Southern province. Matara district consists of an area spread from the coastal belt up to a highland of the height of 3880 feet. The Northern area of the district is beautified by Sinharaja Forest, which is declared as a world heritage, and enchanting water falls. Matara district is bounded South by a picturesque coastal belt, North by the Divisional Secretary’s Division Kolonna, Kalawana of Rathnapura district, West by the Divisional Secretary’s Division Habaraduwa, Imaduwa, Yakkalamulla, Thawalama, Neluwa of Galle district and East by the Divisional Secretary’s Division of Okewela, Beliatta, Katuwana.

Hambanthota district which is situated towards South east of Sri Lanka consists of 2609 Sq km and consists of 1/25 of the total land of the country. The maximum length of district is 106 km and the width is 39 km. The length of the coastal belt belonging to Hamabanthota district is 151 km. Nearly 11.5 sqkm of the total area of Hambathota district is covered by internal reservoirs. The district is located spread from North latitude 6 to 6.5 and from East longitude 80.6 to 81.7. The district is bounded North by Moneragala and Rathnapura districts, West by Matara district, South by India Ocean, East by Indian Ocean and Ampara district. Very rare geological resources such as Hummanaya in Divisional Secretary’s Division Thangalle, hot water springs in Divisional Secretary’s Division Sooriyawewa and Ussangoda Plain in the Divisional Secretary’s Division Ambalanthota are the invaluable heritages of the nature in Hambanthota district. These hot water springs are located close to the famous Madunagala Aranya Senasana beyond Ambalanthota. The network of water resources of Hambanthota district consists of main rivers and natural streams. The main water sources of the district are Walawe river, Kirindi Oya, Menik Ganga, Uruboku Oya, Kachchigalara and Kumbukkan Oya at the eastern boundary of the district. The water level of these rivers come to the level of overflowing during North Eastern Monsoon or Maha seasSouth Western on (November – March). However, the water level of these rivers comes down during the South Western Monsoon. Even though, Ridiyagama lake is the largest reservoir among the 13 main lakes and intern reservoirs in the district. Muruthawela and Lunugamwehera reservoirs hold the maximum water volume. Most of the lakes are situated within Thissamaharama area. Several irrigation development schemes have been implemented within the district during the past period ie. Udawalawe development scheme, Kirama Oya scheme, Uruboku Oya scheme, Liyangasthota scheme, Ridiyagama scheme, Lunugamwehera scheme, Mauara scheme, Kekiriobada scheme. Mahagalwewa, Bandagiriya, Beragama and Muruthawela schemes can be shown as the colonies of the district.

Jaffna district which is away from 410 km from Colombo is situated in the Northern corner of the country. If consists of a peninsula and seven islands which hare populated with people. The district is bound North, East and West by the Indian Ocean and bound South by Jaffna Lagoon and Kilinochchi district. The total extent of the district including island is 1012.01 sqkm and the district has been divided up to four parts such as islands, Walikamam, Thenmarachchi and Wadamarachchi. 1084 ponds and 2433 canals are scattered within the district and they serve to preserve rain water. The additional water flows very easily to the sea or lagoon. The height above sea level of the district is as follows; Point Pedro 15.24 m, Mailadi 10.8 m, Chankanei 3.04 m, Kokuwil 6.09 m.

Mannar district is situated towards North West of the Island and belongs to Northern Province. The district is bounded South by Puttalam district, Sout East by Anuradhapura district, East by Vauniya district, North East by Mulathivu district and North by Kilinochchi district. Thirukedeeshvaram, Madu Church, Dutch Fortress, Aripppu Fortress, Arukku Allirani Fortress, Rama’s Bridge (Adam’s Bridge), Wel palama, Biobab tree and the light house can be highlighted as the places of attraction within the district. The main livelihoods of the district are agriculture and fisheries industry. 70% of the population occupies in agriculture and 25% and 5% are occupying in fisheries industry and other employment respectively. 61.4% out of the persons occupying in agriculture are cultivating paddy. Nearly 70.5% of the male population are occupying in the above economic affairs.

Vauniya district is bounded East by Anuradhapura district and Mulathivu district, North by Mulathivu district, West by Mannar district and a part of Mulathivu district South by Anuradhapura district. The famous A9 highway, railway line from Colombo Fort up to Kankasanthure and the railway line from Colombo Forte up to Thaleimannar run through the district. The main revers such as Kanakarayankulam Aru, Pali Ganga and Parangi Ganga and several other branch rivers flow through the district. According to the geographical features, Vauniya district which is enriched with water resources and fertile soil as a thin rock layer. Even though, the main livelihood of the district is agriculture, small scale industries such as garments, animal husbandry and trading are also among the livelihoods. The milk which is produced in excess is transported to other districts for manufacturing diary products. Mannar is a self-sustained district in rice production. Paddy and rice are sent to other districts as additional products. Fresh water fisheries industry can be seen at small scale in certain rivers and streams. However, bulk stocks of sea fish are brought to Vauniya district from Mannar, Mulathivu and Trincomalee districts. Agriculture, small scale industries such as livestock, animal husbandry and trading are the main livelihoods of the district. The officers serving in the public sector are permanent residents of the district. Various financial institutions are delivering their services in this district in an excellent manner.

Mulathivu is one of the districts which were newly established in 1979. Mulathivu district which consists of certain parts of Mannar, Trincomalee and Vauniya districts is treated as the district containing the Eastern part of Northern Province. Mulathivu district is bounded North by Kilinochchi district, South by Trincomalee district, Vauniya district and a part of Mannar district, West by Mannar district and East by Indian Ocean. The total ground are of this district is nearly 25169 sqkm (Including forest areas and excluding large internal reservoirs). The area of the district covers 3.8% from the total land of the Island. This district which is mostly a plain slopes to North and East and again slopes towards South West. The coastal belt of the district is nearly 70 km and the area of the district consists of four lagoons such as Kokilai, Nayaru, Nandikadal and Matalan enriched with prawns. The average height of the district varies up to 36.5m from the sea level. The latosol soil which is in red, brown and yellow mixing with red is highly suitable for cultivation. The land of the area is used as agricultural lands and also used for coconut cultivation, settlements and other buildings. The district consists of 251690 h and 167850 h (64.1% of the above) is covered by forests and shrubs. Another 21390 h (5.2%) are remaining as barren lands and areas covered with water. In the meantime, 44040 h (5.1%) are used for agriculture. The remaining area is used for settlements and other buildings. Further, three large scale irrigation schemes, 16 middle scale irrigation, 198 small scale irrigations are also found in the district.

Kilinochchi area which was earlier a part of Jaffna district has been established as a new administrative district on 3rd February 1984. Accordingly, the first office of the District Secretariat was opened on 03.02.1984 at the building belonging to Paddy Marketing Board at Karadipokku Junction, Kilinochchi. BY year 1985, District Secretariat has been established near A9 highway. The places with historical value such as Uruttipuram Shivan Kovil, Puliyampokkanei Nagathambiran Kovil, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Mannithalei, St. Anthony’s Church Palaithivu, Ponnaweli Shivan Kovil and Dutch Fortress Punakari are also located within the district. In addition to the above, the natural resources such as Iranamadu Tank, Chundikulam Bird Sanctuary and Kaudarimunei Beach are also located within the district. The district consists of a land in extent 1237.11 sqkm and internal reservoirs of 44.3 sqkm. Amin livelihood of the district is agriculture. Majority is occupying in paddy cultivation. Others are occupying in sub crops, fruit cultivation and animal husbandry (Cattle, goat and poultry) Fisheries industry holds the second place among livelihoods. When considering the irrigation system and agricultural development in Kilinochchi district, Iranamadu Tank and irrigation projects hold prime places. They are considered as an integral part of the lives of the people in the area. 9495 families occupying in cultivation out of 21208 families are cultivating under Iranamadu project. The total number of families occupying in cultivation sector is nearly 40%. Kilinochchi district is stepping towards development promoting not only paddy cultivation, but also promoting serials such as Kaupi, undu and green gram. 464 tanks are maintained by the Department of Agrarian Services.

Since this is a district located mainly on the beach side, the main resource of the district can be identified as the ocean. 76 Grama Niladhari Divisions including 8 Divisional Secretary’s Divisions are located on the coastal belt. The extent of this part is 119.43 km. Fishing in the sea can be shown as one of the main livelihoods of the people in this area. In the true sense of the meaning of the name of the district and area in extent 229.19 sqkm from Kallaru up to Walachchenei is a lagoon. 8.70% of the total area of the district is covered by this lagoon. Batticaloa is an ancient harbor and the cranes used at that time are still found in Ghandi Park near the lagoon. Pasikuda is famous as a calm sea and it serves as an attraction for both local and foreign tourists. A soil composition which is highly suitable for paddy cultivation can be seen in the Western side. The rice production, which is carried out in high volumes has caused to transform this district as a self - sufficient area.

Ampara district which consists of 205978 h of land and 19280 h of internal reservoirs is a district where Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities are living. It is bounded North by Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa district, East by Indian Ocean, South by Hambanthota and Moneragala district and West by Badulla and Matale distrits, The Total area of Ampara district is 4415 sqkm and it is a district which witnesses cultural and religious heritages with historical value. Aranya Senasanas such as Piyangala, Buddangala and religious places with archeological value such as Rajagala, Deegawapi, Magul Maha Vihara, Muhudu Maha Vihara, Neelagala Seya and Kudumbigala are among the most important places. The hot water springs at Maha Oya and Padiyathalawa areas, the enchanting coats at Arugambay and the foot path of Tamil pilgrims who walk to Katharagama every year serve as tourist attractions. This district marks some cultural differences from other districts since the settlements of Adiwasi people (indigenous people) are situated at Pollebedda Henanigala. The district consists of Kalmunei Municipal Council, Ampara Urban Council and 17 Pradeshiya Sabhas such as namal Oya, Uhana, Damana, Maha Oya, Padiyathalawa, Dehiattakandiya, Lahugala, Sammanthure, Akkareipattu, Addalachchena, Aleyadiwembu, Thirukkovil, Navidanweli, Eragama, Nindawur, Karthivu and Pothuvil.

Trincomalee district which is situated in the Eastern part of Sri Lanka, is an area enriched with places with natural beauty. Further, it has an ancient history and a natural harbor. This district makes enough opportunities for economic affairs in agricultural, fisheries and commercial aspects. It is bounded North by Mulathivu district, West by Anuradhapura district, South by Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts. The history of Trincomalee goeas back to times immemorial. In Mahawamsa and Chulawamsa, the two famous historical pieces of writings in Anuradhapura era, Trincomalee is found in the names of Gokanna, Gokarna and Gonagamaka. The district is spread over 2728.8 sqkm. It consists of 230 Grama Niladhari Divisions and 11 Divisional Secretary’s Division. Main livelihoods of the area are agriculture and fisheries industry and paddy is main agricultural crop. Some of the main tanks of the area are Kanthale Lake, Wenrasa Wewa, Morawewa, Mahadivulwewa and Paravikulam. Further, there are three major irrigation projects such as Kanthale, Allakanthale and Morawewa. Animal husbandry and livestock management are some other important livelihoods. Tourism industry holds a significant place in economic affairs as the district is very famous for its coastal belt and other enchanting places. Trincomalee is considered as a place with strategic value. Due to that reason as well as the natural harbor, the world famous companies such as Prima Sri Lanka and Tokyo Cement have established their distribution centers centering Trincomalee city.

The extent of Kurunegala district situated in North Western province is 4812.7 sqkm (481270 h). The number of Divisional Secretary’s Divisions in the district is 30 and the number of Grama Niladhari Divisions is 1610. This district consists of 14 electorates and 4432 villages. Further, one Municipal Council, one Urban Council and 18 Pradeshiya Sabhas are included in the district. There are 6 educational zones in the district and the number of schools in the district is 875. 28 out of the above are national schools. The total number of teachers serving in the district is 20223. Kurunegala distrit is surrounded by 5 other districts. It is bounded North by Anuradhapura district, East by Matale district, South by Gamapaha and Kegalle districts and West by Puttalam district. This district is located between North coordinates 228-333 and East coordinates 104-178. When considering the historical background of the district, special features are found in the history of the district. Kurunegala emerges proudly as the only district which had 4 kingdoms in the country. They are Panduwasnuwera, Kurunegala, Yapahuwa and Dambadeniya. Many evidences are found to the fact that many glorious kings reigned these kingdoms in the past. The average rainfall of the district is 900-2200 mm. The main sources of the rain are South Western and North Eastern Monsoons and convectional rain. South Western Monsoon brings highest rainfall.

Puttalam, which marks the beginning of Sinhala nation is an area with a long history (Thambapanni). Puttalam district is a strip of land of which the height is below 300 m from the sea level. Puttalam Administrative district is bounded North by Kala Oya, East by Kurunegala district, South by Ma Oya and West by Indian Ocean. The length of the district is 120 km and the width is 50 km. This district consists of a coastal area of 288 km and the total area including internal water bases is 3072 sqkm. Puttalam district which is a part of coconut triangle makes its contribution to the Sri Lanka economy exporting coconut related by products. The historical irrigation system of the district has caused to determine the paddy cultivation as the main livelihood of the people.

Anuradhapura district where multicultural, multi religious and multi lingual communities are living, is bounded North by Vauniya, Mannar and Mulathivu districts, South by Kurunegal and Matale districts, West by Puttalam and Mannar districts and East by Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee districts. Atamasthana including Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is located within Anuradhapura city. Further, Mihinthale Raja Maha Vihara, Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara, Avukana Statue and many other most sacred places in Buddhist culture are also located in the district and they serve as tourist attractions for both local and foreign tourists. Min livelihood of the district is agriculture and the main crop is paddy. Soya, corn, undu, sesame, onion are also cultivated as additional crops. Out of the above crops, the food necessity of the nation is satisfied to a greater extent by corn and soya cultivation. The requirement of water for cultivation is satisfied from both the rain and irrigation system. The irrigation system of the district consists of 12 main tanks such as Kala Wewa, Thisa Wewa, Nuwera wewa, Abhaya Wewa, Nachchaduwa, Rajangana and Padaviya, 85 middle scale irrigations and 2974 small lakes and the irrigation system of the district is an amazing creation even in the modern engineering field. The total population of Anuradhapura district is 856232.

The historical Polonnaruwa city, which marked the second kingdom of Sri Lanka and which is the area which provided rice to the whole nation from Perakum era, consist today of 7 Divisional Secretary’s Divisions, 295 Grama Niladhari Division and many other resources with aesthetic values. The district makes significant contribution to the national economy. Polonnaruwa city, which is situated in the middle of Mahaweli Plain away from 216 km in Polonnaruwa district in North Central Province of Sri Lanka is the capital city of Polonnaruwa district. The total area of Polonnaruwa district if 3337.9 sqkm. It is located between North latitude 7’10” - 8’ 21” and East longitude 80’ 44”- 81’ 20” and the altitude is 50 - 500 feet. it is bounded by Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, Matale and Anuradhapura district. This district consists of 4 main tanks, 3 medium scale tanks, 62 small tanks in use, 35 small tanks which are not in use and 123 anicuts (in use) and 6 anicuts not in use.

15 Divisional Secretary’s Divisions are governed by the District Secretariat Badulla. 567 Grama Niladhari Divisions are included in these 15 Divisional Secretary’s Divisions. 1996 villages and 186 plantations, where Tamils are living are scattered among these Grama Niladhari Divisions. Further, network of 14 Pradeshiya Sabhas, 2 Urban Councils and one Municipal Council are linked with the administrative and political framework of the district. More than 227428 families are living in the district and the total population of these families is nearly 811758. The number of people who are employed out of the above is 406623. The number of unemployed people of the district is 16891 (belonging to the labour force) Agriculture is the main livelihood of the majority of the people in Badulla district. Therefore, the level of low income people is high. Nearly 59273 are the beneficiaries under Samurdhi programme. The number of the pensioners of the district is nearly 17399.

Monaragala district which was known in the past as Wellassa, is situated in the Uva Provicne towards East and South East of Sri Lanka. This district is located between North latitude 60 17’ and 70 28’ and East longitude 800 50’ and 810 35’. The district is enriched with different natural resources and it is the second largest district of Sri Lanka and consists of 5959 sqkm. This district is bounded East and North by Ampara district, West and North by Badulla district, South by Hambanthota district and South West by Rathnapura district. 11 Divisional Secretary’s Divisions, 319 Grama Niladhari Divisions, 1324 villages and 11 Pradeshiya Sabhas are included in the district. This district belongs to both dry zone and intermediate zone. Nearly 70% of the district is covered by the dry zone. The specialty of the district is Maradagala mountain range situated in the middle of the district, which demonstrates the feature of wet zone and it is considered as one of the most specific climatic zone. The average annual rainfall of the district is approximately 1625 mm and the average temperature 26 0C.

Rathnapura district is located towards South West and that location is geographically and historically highly effective for the lives and economic development of the people living in the area. It is located between North latitude 6 -7 and East alongitude 80-81. Rathnapura district is bounded North by Kegalle and Nuwera Eliya districts, South by Galle, Matara and Hambanthota districts, West by Colombo and Kaluthara districts and East by Badulla and Moneragala districts. According to the archeological facts, which have so far been revealed, the fossil bones of Balangoda Man, the prehistoric man, have been found from the places in Rathnapura district such as Batadomba Lena and Bellan Bendi Pelessa. Stone inscriptions, of which the inscriptions are treated as belonging to the Brahmi inscription in Anuradhapura era, have been found within this area. In the meantime, the ruins found in areas such as Embilipitiya, Kalthota also witnesses the historical value of Rathnapura district. It seems that the district had been divided into 6 Korales by Kandyan period. They are Kuruvita, Nawadun, Atakalan, Kukulu, Kadawathmeda and Kolonna Korales. The color of the flag of Rathnapura district is yellow. This flag, which was designed making the ancient flag of Sabaragamuwa as a sample, has a decorated red border on the yellowish background. Yellow colour is considered as the holy colour of God Sumana Saman. Sripada is the main and most important place of worship of the district. Sripada pilgrim season commences from Unduwan Poya day comes to the end on the Vesak Poya day of next year. Large number of devotees climb Samanala Kanda every year for worshiping the foot print of Lord Buddha. Saman Devala Rathnapura is also another important place of worship with historical value.

Kegalle district is an enchanting area situated between the central highlands and South West Plains of Sri Lanka. This is an area belonging to Maya Rata in the past according to the division in the names of Ruhunu, Maya, Pihiti. This district has been divided into 11 Divisional Secretary’s Divisions for administrative purposes. Kegalle district is located between North latitude 6.50 – 7.20 and East longitude 80.10 and 80.35the district is bounded North by Kurunegala district, South by Rthnapura district, East by Kany and Nuwera Eliya districts and West by Gampaha and Colombo districts. The total area of the district, which is spread 48 km from North to South, is 1692.8 sqkm (645sqm). When considering the historical, political, economic, social, religious and cultural aspects, it seems only Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura districts were above Kegalle districts. The best graphite deposit is situated at Bogala in Kegalle district. It belongs to the South West wet zone and receives high rain fall and records a considerable temperature. Since district receives the rainfall from Monsoon, convection, cyclone, it can be seen a pattern of rainfall which spread all over the year.